If you’re thinking of starting a podcast, that’s great! I’ve hosted Women Entrepreneurs Radio for over eight years, and I’ve met and interviewed over 400 entrepreneurs. Podcasting can be a good way to network, to establish yourself as an expert and to promote your products and services.

But before you begin, you should do these three things first:

Create a Plan

Pick a Platform – to host your podcast

Create a Guest Workflow – to have procedures for working with your guests

A plan is necessary because without it, you’ll be spinning your wheels. Eventually you’ll run out of steam if you have no idea where you’re heading. It’s just like starting a blog. If you’re following the crowd and you have no real reason to start one – you’ll stop doing it.

Don’t skip the planning part. Here are 7 questions I answered before I started my podcast:

1. What topics will you cover?

2. Do you want to have guests or will you talk about the topics yourself?

3. What will your show be called? (The name should be something that lets prospective listeners know right away what the show is about.)

4. Will you be doing your show daily, weekly, monthly or what? (Pick a schedule that works for you. Otherwise, you won’t stick to it.)

5. How much time can you realistically spend on producing and hosting the show?

6. Who is your ideal listener?

7. What is your reason for starting a podcast? (What outcome do you want to achieve?)

Unless you’re hiring help to produce your episodes, you’ll be responsible for recording, editing, uploading, managing guests, etc. That’s a commitment of time, energy and yes – money. If you want your podcast to be successful, it pays to plan first.

For all the details on starting a podcast (including information about platforms, software, equipment and marketing tips) get the “How to Get Started with Podcasting” 20-page PDF ebook. $7.00.